CIS member states step up cooperation in combating tax law violations

MINSK (BelTA) – The tax authorities of the CIS member countries will strengthen their cooperation in combating violations of the tax regulations, Belarus' Minister of Taxes and Duties Sergei Nalivaiko told journalists on 17 April, BelTA has learned.

A protocol on the mechanism of cooperation and coordination of the activities to combat violations of the tax and financial regulations was concluded by the coordinating council of heads of tax services of the CIS member states and the coordinating council of heads of tax and financial investigation bodies of the CIS member countries at the CIS headquarters in Minsk. The document was inked by Sergei Nalivaiko and Head of Armenia's State Revenue Committee Robert Galoyan.

“The importance of this document can hardly be overestimated as it provides for closer cooperation between our tax authorities and financial investigation agencies. It will allow us to effectively detect tax evaders and criminals,” Sergei Nalivaiko believes.

He pointed out that Belarus is currently chairing the coordinating council of heads of tax services of the CIS member states while Armenia is presiding over the coordinating council of heads of tax and financial investigation bodies of the CIS member countries. “My Armenian colleague and I signed the document in the capacity of the chairmen of the councils which means that the protocol applies not just to Belarus and Armenia but to all the CIS member states,” the minister explained.

The sides agreed to annually exchange plans of activities, schedules of events, research data, and documents that are of mutual interest in order to coordinate the cooperation in combating tax violations. Specialists will work to provide ideas and recommendations on how to improve the protocol that may be submitted to the CIS statutory bodies for consideration.

Besides, the protocol provides for holding joint consultations and coordinating positions with regard to cooperation with international organizations.

The sides are set to appoint coordinators who will promote the international cooperation in combating tax law violations.